A New Year’s Eve Wedding to Remember at St Giles House
There’s something truly magical about a New Year’s Eve wedding—especially when it’s set within the historic, atmospheric walls of St Giles House. For MJ and Craig, who live and work in London, it was the perfect location to bring together their international guest list in one incredible setting. With the bride originally from Alabama, and loved ones travelling in from across the US and beyond, the ability to accommodate a large number of guests onsite was key.
PLANNING A MULTI-DAY WEDDING AT ST GILES HOUSE
This elegant, three-day celebration kicked off with a welcome party at 10 Castle Street, just a short drive from St Giles. Guests were greeted with cocktails, champagne, hearty bowl food, charcuterie boards laden with local cheeses, and a delicious dessert station so setting the tone for the celebrations to come. Afterwards, guests returned to the house to relax and settle in ahead of the big day.
On arrival at St Giles House, guests received thoughtfully curated welcome gifts filled with Scottish, English and American treats, accompanied by a personalised note and a beautifully printed schedule of the coming days. A small touch that made a big impact.
THE WEDDING DAY
The morning began with a wholesome breakfast, while preparations were underway. The ceremony took place that afternoon, led by the warm and wonderful Nat Rayboulds, who delivered a heartfelt and personal ceremony that felt truly reflective of MJ and Craig. Set in front of the ornate doors, the ceremony space was framed with a deconstructed floral installation by the incredibly talented team at Mad Lilies. An organic, artful backdrop that blended effortlessly with the surroundings.
Guests then moved into a champagne and canapé reception by Caper & Berry, who thoughtfully curated the food experience to celebrate traditional English flavours, a nod to the setting, while also ensuring everyone felt at home.
Dinner was an indulgent, multi-course feast served on two long banqueting tables dressed in jewel-toned floral garlands, dramatic high florals, and candlelight from Ester & Erik. We added layers of ambience with rich green velvet ribbon, elegant gold accents, and refined stationery by Ink and Paper. As guests entered the Library, the sun had set, and the lighting became everything - soft, warm, and inviting. Gobo lighting with a delicate leaf pattern added movement and depth to the ceiling, making the whole space feel alive.
The menu included:
Starter: Pressed Chicken Thigh | Sage Emulsion | Burnt Pear | Red Chicory | Truffled South Downs Honey | Parsnip Crisps
Main Course: Aged Beef Fillet | Braised Ox Cheek | Charred Leek | Triple-Cooked Potato | Onion Purée | Isle of Wight Black Garlic | Red Wine Jus
All paired with perfectly selected French red and white wines.
THE CELEBRATIONS CONTINUE AT ST GILES HOUSE
Following dinner, guests gathered in the Drawing Rooms for the cake cutting. A stunning creation by Anna Lewis Cake Design, beautifully framed by glowing Ester & Erik candles, casting the most romantic light.
Then it was time for the party! Guests enjoyed bespoke cocktails before heading to the dance floor for the first part of the evening, soundtracked by a spectacular set from The Ambassador Band, including MJ and Craig’s first dance. But the celebration didn’t stop there. We moved down to the basement nightclub where the full 10-piece band turned things up for the countdown and the new year was welcomed in with energy, joy, and a whole lot of dancing.
It was truly a night to remember - full of magic, meaning, and celebration, all captured perfectly by the brilliant Lewis Membery. A dream way to ring in the New Year, and an honour to have brought it all together.
Susie Evans St Giles House Wedding Planning - Suppliers
I would like to say a huge thank you to the following team who helped bring our clients vision together and celebrate the best marquee at home wedding!
Wedding Planner + Design // Susie Evans
Photographer // Lewis Membery Photography
Florist // Mad Lilies
Caterers // Caper & Berry
Cake // Anna Lewis Cakes
Celebrant // Nat Rayboulds
Bar + Soft Furnishing // House of Furn
Hair + MUA // Louisa Jayne
Band // The Ambassador Band
Stationery // Ink & Paper Designs
Production // Cinemattag
String Quartet // Abbie James
Wedding Dress // Suzanne Neville